Diep.io, a third, browser-based game sensation is taking the internet by storm, joining the ranks of popular predecessors, Agar.io and Slither.io. But unlike Slither.io, which seemed pretty easy to get a handle on after playing Agar.io, Diep.io, brings similar gameplay features but with some twists that makes it an altogether different beast.

If you’ve just started playing Diep.io but you really haven’t gotten the handle on the different tank classes, when to upgrade and what stats are most helpful, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to playing the game and leveling up without using any cheats.

Diep.io: How To Play

Diep.io is a tank based Agar.io style game that brings stats upgrades and classes to the mix. Photo: iDigitalTimes

First things first, for those who have heard of the game but aren’t sure how it’s played, basically, instead of being a blog or a snake, you embody a small tank. The object of the game, like Agar.io and Slither.io is to become the biggest baddest tank around and it requires demolishing tanks around you in order to get there. However, in Diep.io it takes a little more skill than knowing how to dodge or dash at the right times. In Diep.io we’ve also got stat points and tank classes that add complexity to the gameplay.

To play the game, you need to visit Diep.io, type in a username and you’ll be taken to a familiar looking game grid with your tiny tank in the middle (blue circle with tiny grey square attached).

Obstacles in the game, which you need to shoot in order to gain experience and later level up, include colored squares, triangles and pentagons.

To shoot simply point your mouse at your target and click the left mouse button or tap the space bar (alternatively, you can hold down either the left mouse or space bar for continuous shots).

To move around the grid, use your arrow keys

When you destroy shapes or other tanks your tank level bar begins to fill. Once it’s full you level up.

Each time your Tank levels up you gain a stat point which allows you to add stats to your tank like health, bullet speed, penetration – there are eight district stats you can upgrade using points (more on those below). You get a stat point for each level up until you hit 30.

When you reach level 15 tank you can choose what class of tank you want to belong to – there are four. Each class, just like stats, adds a unique element to your gameplay (more on tank classes below).

Diep.io Stats: All The Tank Upgrades Plus Tips On How To Use Them

There are 8 different stats you can upgrade in Diep.io Photo: iDigitalTimes

There are 8 different stat upgrades you can use. When you level up your tank, a stat menu appears to the left of your game screen. Below are the stats you can choose from. You select a stat by tapping on the plus sign beside each.

Health Regen - Increases the life recovery rate of your tank

Max Health - Increases the maximum life

Body Damage - Improves the damage caused by collision with other players or obstacles

Bullet Speed - Increases the speed of the projectile

Bullet Penetration - Bullets go through obstacles and players

Bullet Damage - Improves the damage caused by projectile

Reload - Interval decreased bullets

Movement Speed - Increases movement speed of your tank

Each of these stats obviously brings its own sets of benefits and as you think about the Tank class you are going to choose, you’ll want to add complimentary upgrades. For example, snipers load slower so you’ll want to make their shots count. You’ll also want to consider the types of players you see on the board at the time. If the server is loaded with players, for instance, health upgrades might come in handy.

All Diep.io Tank Classes And Upgrades

There are four distinct classes of tanks that can be upgraded at levels 15, 30 and 45. Photo: iDigitalTimes

“The idea is that you are always protected by your own stream of bullets,” FPTN wrote. “The high Bullet Penetration and Reload means that enemy bullets will never be able to reach you, as they will be gunned down by your bullets. Then if they try to body slam you, they will die to your high damage stream of bullets. With this in mind, you can go on to pick your own fights and escape from unwanted ones by covering yourself with a big, impenetrable wave of bullets. I killed 145 tanks on my last game using this build before I had to leave.”

“Quick and dirty strategy for this. Shoot 2 of the blue pentagons and max out health regen. Pick sniper class. Then start ramming into things and max out body damage. Pick overseer class. Now max out health. Now look for the sea of pentagons and ram them all be careful because the big ones will drain your health. Max out movement. And put the remaining points in reload. And pick mega overseer class. Use the little triangles to corner the weak tanks and ram into them. Or use them as cover from the more powerful tanks as you ram into them. You are vulnerable to machine guns and triple guns pointed in the same direction. Avoid them.”

“Focus on movement speed and health regen. Once you've maxed regen, focus on body damage and finish movement speed. Also, get some max health as well. Stop shooting blocks, just run them over for xp, it is much faster. Your regen will help. Skip all damage / penetration / whatever. You won't really ever shoot at anyone.

Go machine gun class, and then DESTROYER class. Max out body damage, health, regen, movement speed. When you shoot, there is high knockback on your ship. Shoot backwards, and propel yourself into unsuspecting ships, instantly killing them with your body damage. Put the rest of your points into reload speed.”